It was published in 1993 in Duffy's book Mean Time.
There is a great interview with Duffy here: Meet The Author - Carol Ann Duffy
There is also an amazing lecture she gave, here: Carol Ann Duffy Lecture. Really great as she reads a whole selection of here poems.
Now you can watch my short video.
Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy
Valentine by
Carol Ann Duffy
Not a red rose or a satin heart.
I
give you an onion.
It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light
like the careful undressing of love.
It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light
like the careful undressing of love.
Here.
It will blind you with tears
like a lover.
It will make your reflection
a wobbling photo of grief.
It will blind you with tears
like a lover.
It will make your reflection
a wobbling photo of grief.
I am
trying to be truthful.
Not a
cute card or a kissogram.
I
give you an onion.
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,
possessive and faithful
as we are,
for as long as we are.
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,
possessive and faithful
as we are,
for as long as we are.
Take
it.
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring,
if you like.
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring,
if you like.
Lethal.
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
cling to your knife.
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
cling to your knife.
